meditation: 1. Continuous and profound contemplation or reflection on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or impenetrable nature

2. A long and thoughtful observation of spiritual matters (usually on religious or philosophical subjects)

Also See: chi

(See also: meditation, Magic, Shamanism, Paganism, Wicca)

Meditation

A technique of mind control that leads to inner feelings of calm and peacefulness and may result in experiences of transcendental awareness and self-realization. The two main types of meditation are

(1)  the focusing type, similar to self-hypnosis, in which the meditator focuses on a repetitive sound or chant, an image, or pattern of breathing;

(2)  the "opening-up" type which emphasizes the detached observation of mental events as they occur.

(See also: Meditation, New Age Spirituality, Body Mind and Soul)

Meditation: The emptying of the mind of thoughts, or concentration of the mind on just one thing in order to aid mental or spiritual development, contemplation, or relaxation. Although the practice originated in India, it is common to many religions. Hatha yoga is a form of meditation.

(See also: Meditation, Yoga, Yoga Dictionary)

Spiritualism may refer to a variety of modern religious ideologies, primarily active in the United States and Europe. Central tenets of Spiritualist liturgy and dogma are the beliefs and practices of mediumship which purports to be evidence of the continued existence of an individual's spirit or soul after death. The origin of Spiritualism is commonly considered to be the Modern Spiritualist movement of the 19th century United States. Spiritualism - Background. Spiritualism in its modern incarnation started ...

Including:

• Spiritualism - Background
• Spiritualism - Meditation
• Spiritualism - Organizations
• Spiritualism - Specific Religions and Thought Currents
• Spiritualism - Theorists and Proponents
• Spiritualism - Well-known Believers
• Spiritualism - Critics and Exposers
• Spiritualism - Exposed Frauds
• Spiritualism - Miscellaneous

Read more here: » Spiritualism: Encyclopedia - Spiritualism

Meditation is used to calm the "voices" of modern, hectic life so that the practitioner can better hear his or her guide. Meditation often includes the breathing practices of Buddist meditation (ānāpānasati) and may also include the idea of chakras. The Spiritualist may also focus on the tenets of their chosen religion to help them attain a higher existence. These may include standard prayers (Hail Mary, Shema Yisrael or Salah etc.), focusing on the name of God (Jesus, YHWH or All ...

See also:

Spiritualism, Spiritualism - Background, Spiritualism - Meditation, Spiritualism - Organizations, Spiritualism - Specific Religions and Thought Currents, Spiritualism - Theorists and Proponents, Spiritualism - Well-known Believers, Spiritualism - Critics and Exposers, Spiritualism - Exposed Frauds, Spiritualism - Miscellaneous

Read more here: » Spiritualism: Encyclopedia II - Spiritualism - Meditation

Stress for working women is multi-dimensional. A normal working day means she works three shifts: at home, doing the morning chores before leaving for office, then at work in the office, and then again at home, helping children with their homework and doing the evening chores and putting together the family meal.

A meditation teacher gave a brief introductory lecture about the need to keep one's mind focused with the help of pranayama breathing. "Meditation", she emphasised, "helps to make one become peaceful inside; this sense of peace would then spread to other members of your family and also in your workplace."

(See also: Womens Spirituality, Faith and Belief, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Chanting of mantras and the practice of meditation are time-honoured traditions in oriental religions like Hinduism and Buddhism. Christians use the concept of chanting in a variety of ways in their prayer. The Divine Office or Prayer of the Church is a rhythmic recitation or singing of the Psalms in monastic communities. For a Christian the practice of meditation is the practice of an 'awareness' of God in Christ. Equally, at the heart of the practice of Christian meditation is the essential onslaught on the 'ego' so that we may be completely free from its domination. Prophet Isaiah says (30:15): "In conversion and tranquillity lies your salvation".

Read more here: » Spiritual Practices: Christian Mantras And Meditation

Call to your guru in meditation. At the start of your meditation, ask one of these great souls to help you in your meditative efforts.

After your practice of the techniques, ask him to help you go deep in the Spirit, or to give you a clear perception of truth, or a solution to some spiritual problem.

Above all, pray to him, "Introduce me to God." Draw from him, by the magnetic power of your devotion, the power to become like him - an awakened child of the Infinite.

(See also: Meditation for Beginners, Meditation, Meditation for Beginners, Meditation Techniques)

Many people think and talk about becoming Financial Millionaires and the importance of making money, but for many of us there is much more. Many of us want to be richer spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially.

For those of us who want more, we can get it by focusing on becoming Spiritual Millionaires. Two of the foundations of becoming a Spiritual Millionaire are prayer and meditation.

(See also: Spiritual Millionaire, Keith Cameron Smith, Law of Attraction, Practising Law of Attraction, Law of Attraction for Prosperity, Law of Attraction for Love, Law of Attraction - Obstacles)

Music comes closest to meditation. Music is a way towards meditation and the most beautiful way. Meditation is the art of hearing the soundless sound, the art of hearing the music of silence - what the Zen people call the sound of one hand clapping. When you are utterly silent, not a single thought passes your mind, there is not even a ripple of any feeling in your heart. Then you start, for the first time, hearing silence.

(See also: Spiritual Music  , God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Meditation is the natural process of withdrawing attention from environmental, physical, and mental processes and consciously directing it inward to a chosen focus of attention. But not many people know how to practice meditation for personal benefit and spiritual growth.

The beneficial side-effects of regular meditation practice include stress reduction, strengthening of the body's immune system, more orderly thinking, improvement in powers of concentration, and a slowing of the biological ageing process. For these reasons, meditation practice is recommended by an increasing number of doctors as a harmless way for patient-clients to be more responsible for their own total well-being.

(See also: Effects of Meditation, Faith and Belief, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Meditation Experiences by Sarasvati Buhrman PhD - Part II

Sometime after 350 B.C. a great yogi sage wrote the "Yoga Sutra". This brief translation should wet your appetite. This describes the transformation of mind that will unfold over a course of sadhana (spiritual practice), focusing on the relationship between the mind and the object of meditation.

Read more here: » Meditation Experiences: Meditation Experiences According to the Ashtanga Yoga Tradition with Commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutra - Part II

Meditation Experiences by Sarasvati Buhrman PhD - Part I

Sometime after 350 B.C. a great yogi sage wrote the "Yoga Sutra". This brief translation should wet your appetite. This describes the transformation of mind that will unfold over a course of sadhana (spiritual practice), focusing on the relationship between the mind and the object of meditation.

Read more here: » Meditation: Meditation Experiences According to the Ashtanga Yoga Tradition with Commentary on Patanjali's Yoga Sutra

The practice of Christian meditation dates back to the beginning of Christianity; its objective is to daily 'empty the self' to experience the fullness of God. It is consonant with Jesus's invitation to his disciples to take up their cross daily and follow him. It is central to Easter celebrations, 'dying' to rise to a New Life.

The way of meditation is the way of silence. Silencing the ceaseless chatter of a mind buzzing with thoughts is not easy. The way to silence is the way of the mantra. Choosing a sacred word and repeating it from the beginning to the end of the period of meditation forms part of the essential teaching of Christian meditation. It is advisable to choose a word of four syllables and pronounce them with equal length. The recommended word in the Christian Tradition is Ma-ra-na-tha. In Aramaic, the language of Jesus's time, it means 'The Lord comes'.

(See also: Christian Meditation, Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

What is meditation?

Meditation can be considered a technique, or practice. It usually involves concentrating on an object, such as a flower, a candle, a sound or word, or the breath. Over time, the number of random thoughts occuring diminishes. More importantly, your attachment to these thoughts, and your identification with them, progressively become less.

Read more here: » Meditation: What is meditation?

How is meditation different from relaxation, thinking, concentration or self-hypnosis?

Relaxation: Relaxation is a common by-product of meditation� Thinking: Thoughts generally consume energy in the process of their formation� Concentration: Meditation begins with concentration, but after an initial period of concentration.. Self-hypnosis: Self-hypnosis, like meditation, involves at least an initial period of concentration on an object�

Read more here: » Meditation: How is meditation different from relaxation, thinking, concentration or self-hypnosis?

What are the different meditation techniques?

Meditation involves concentrating on something to take our attention beyond the random thought activity that is usually going on in our heads. This can involve a solid object or picture, a mantra, breath, or guided visualization.

Read more here: » Meditation: What are the different meditation techniques?

Which is the "right" meditation technique right for me?

There is no "right" meditation technique for everybody. Some techniques work better for certain people while other techniques work better for other people. The important thing is to find what works for you.

Read more here: » Meditation: Which is the right meditation technique right for me?

What are the abc's of meditation?

There are a few recommended guidelines for meditation:

* It should be done every day, preferably at the same time

* It should preferably be done before a meal rather than after a meal

* A spot should be set aside for meditation, which should be a quiet place and used for nothing but meditation

* One should sit with the spine straight and vertical (a chair is ok to use)

Read more here: » Meditation: What are the abc's of meditation?

Is there any religious implication or affiliation with meditation?

Meditation has been and still is a central practice in eastern religions, for contacting "God" or one's higher Self. Christianity also has semblances of meditation, such as the biblical statement "The kingdom of heaven is within you".

Read more here: » Meditation: Is there any religious implication or affiliation with meditation?